Soulmates by Mike Renick and Lezli Robyn is a collection of short stories that express life through a slightly different lens. The opening story, "Benchwarmer" tells of children's toys and pretend friends. Boy and Mr. Paloobi are a wonderful pair. The reader views the world from the perspective of the imaginary toys. The Boy as Old Man needs Mr. Paloobi again to play chess and keep him company. The slightly tilted lens of these stories includes aliens, monsters, and talking cats. Readers of science fiction, short stories, and of "Twilight-Zone" style fiction will be delighted with this collection. Fine writing and good characters provide an entertaining reading opportunity. ( )